Checkpoint

Slowing global demand for agricultural and forestry products has helped widen the country's trade deficit. Audio

Arguments for and against the Employment Relations and Holiday Amendment bill have been heard at a select committe in Auckland today. Audio

Returning to our earlier story now, rescuers have saved the humpback whale entangled in fishing rope in Northland's Doubtless Bay. Audio

New figures from the Reserve Bank show bank lending is giving only weak impetus to economic growth. Audio

The Transport Minister says the rules for turning vehicles at intersections are confusing and out of step with the rest of the world - and now they're going. Audio

An employment lawyer says Sir Peter Jackson could offer actors in his movie The Hobbit a collective agreement if he wanted to - but he probably doesn't want to. Audio

The secondary teachers union is proposing its members should limit the amount they teach and assess. Audio

Pacific leaders are lobbying UN countries about the urgent need to combat the effect of climate change. Audio

News from the Waatea team. Audio

It could be months before sewage stops flowing into the Kaiapoi River now that another broken pipe has been found near a pumping station. Audio

Aspiring motorcyclists are going to find it harder to get a licence after Cabinet approval for changes that are part of the Government's 10-year road safety strategy. Audio

A planned survey of the battlegrounds of Gallipoli has been delayed by at least five months because of a diplomatic standoff between Australia and Turkey. Audio